Drug Smugglers Caught Red-Handed Trying to Import Class A via Fake Parcels
Two no-fixed-address men, Daniel Kelly, 43, and Steven Gilhooly, 43, have been locked up for trying to smuggle Class A drugs into the UK. The parcels they sent, disguised as tins of food, were busted by customs in London.
Fake Tinned Goods Concealed Nearly 3kg of Cocaine
The bogus shipments, sent from St Lucia in December 2018, were labelled as condensed coconut milk and beans. But forensic checks revealed 1.95kg of cocaine hidden in one parcel and 792g in the other. The street value? Around £250,000.
Long-Term Sting by UK and St Lucian Authorities Uncovers Plot
- The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Metropolitan Police’s Trident Team joined forces for the probe.
- Kelly and Gilhooly flew to St Lucia, carrying tin sealing equipment to disguise the drugs inside.
- Kelly sent the parcels using a fake ID with his picture but false details.
- Both men were arrested in 2020 and charged with importing Class A drugs.
Heavy Sentences Send Strong Message to Drug Smugglers
Kelly was handed 6½ years behind bars, while Gilhooly got 8½ years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 12 January.
Detective Inspector Matthew Webb said: “This sentencing follows a long investigation involving multiple agencies. It sends a clear warning to anyone thinking of importing drugs illegally into the UK. Kelly and Gilhooly tried to profit from causing harm in our communities, but now face hefty prison terms. Crime does not pay.”
NCA Branch Commander Mark McCormack added: “We’re committed to smashing the networks bringing Class A drugs into the UK. These men tried to outsmart border controls using fast parcel services, but our partnership with Border Force and the Met stopped them dead in their tracks.”
